Patient Communication Barriers

Overcoming Patient Communication Barriers

Problem:  Effective Communication

Solutions:

  • Be sensitive to health literacy and provide materials at appropriate reading levels.
  • Be sensitive to racial, ethnic and religious practices and beliefs that may affect receptivity to vaccines.
  • Offer language-appropriate educational materials and Vaccine Information Statements in multiple languages.
  • Use suggested vaccination messages offered in this toolkit.
  • Provide translation services as patients' needs dictate.
  • Use printed materials that depict the population your practice serves.
  • Encourage staff vaccination and when talking to patients, use it as support for the importance of vaccination.  Patients will be reluctant to take vaccines that the staff refuses.